Child Birthing Class

So I was given the idea by my wonderful cousin and best friend Brianna to post about the child birth class that Donovan and I have been taking. Let me start by saying that I recommend ANY first time parents to take a class like this before labor and delivery. The particular course we are taking is four weeks long, once a week. I have learned so much from this class so far.

Night one- we discussed the labor and birthing process and what actually happens during delivery. We also learned several breathing techniques depending on which part of labor you are in. These different techniques help make Mom more comfortable during contractions. I must say, Donovan has become very good at knowing the different types of breaths and when they should be done! As the hospital would "officially" name Donovan- "Support Person". Way to go Support Person!!!!

Night two- we had the "wonderful" opportunity to watch a actual birth (via DVD, not literally). While it was very informative, it made me more scared of delivery then I ever have been. The whole process is scary. A women (USUALLY) goes through the "early" part of labor anywhere from 3-8 hours (this is where contractions last about 30 seconds and come every ten minutes. You only dilate to about 3-5 cm. During early labor, your cervix gradually effaces (thins out) and dilates (opens). Then there is the "active" part of labor. This is where your contractions last anywhere from 30-90 seconds and come every 5 minutes. This part lasts about 2-5 hours. During active labor, your cervix begins to dilate more rapidly (3-8cm)and contractions are longer, stronger, and closer together. They tell you NOT to go to the hospital until you are in the "active" part, which means you could have up to 8 hours of labor at home. They suggest during the "early" phase of labor that you go walking somewhere, like the mall, park or around the block. They say to not stay at home... Then there is the "transition" stage of labor. The transition stage is when your cervix dilates from 8 to a full 10 centimeters. This is the most intense part of labor. Contractions are usually very strong, coming every two and a half to three minutes or so and lasting a minute or more, and you may start shaking and shivering. By the time your cervix is fully dilated and transition is over, your baby has usually descended somewhat into your pelvis. This is when you PUSH!!!! Pushing can be anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours...

Along with all that information (now that you are fully informed on the labor and delivery process) we also learned about interventions. Some interventions include medication, I.V.'s (epidural and I.V. lock), Doula's etc.

I must say, my mind is set on a epidural. I have also decided that I am going to go as long as I possibly can without one but once it gets to the point where I just dont want pain anymore I am requesting an I.V. I also made up my mind that I want a Doula. Here at Presbyterian, not for a private Doula but for the one that is on call, the charge is $250. From what I have heard (from Moms who have had Doula's) and all the reading and "doula chats" I have attended, Doula's are known to be life savers. They comfort you throughout labor, comfor the father, make sure your birth plan is followed (as much as it can be) among MANY other things.

Doula's can provide MUCH needed support to the Mommy and Daddy, and they can provide many comforting techniques and help ease labor and make it a more enjoyable experience. Some people refer to a Doula just like a concierge at a hotel- your experience is that much more enjoyable at a hotel with concierge service. My heart goes out to ALL Doula's!!!! They seem wonderful!

Night three (we have not attended night 3 yet)- this includes a tour of the hospital. We tour the Triage (which I have already been to if you read my past posts), delivery rooms (which I heard are SUPER nice with a jacuzzi and showers)and the post partum floor which is where Mommy and baby go for recovery. So I am SUPER excited about this night because I have yet to see what Presbyterian offers.

I am not sure what night four is about yet, however going to these classes has been VERY informative. The last 20 minutes of the class Dad is required to massage Mom from head to toe (we bring pillows and blankets to each class). So needless to say, I get pampered on top of all the learning. We have also met a lot of other pregnant couples or Moms, and two couples are due the day before we are!

So that is my experience so far with the birthing class, and know you are educated on the labor and delivery process!